Where can you ride the back roads between three distinct cultures? In New Mexico, Georgia O’Keeffe’s land of enchantment. With vast cloudless skies. Stark high desert beauty. Roasting chiles scenting the air. Roads perfect for biking. Like the Enchanted Circle towering above Taos. Or the high road to Chimayó. And then there’s the route through the Jemez Mountains and down into the melting landscape of Bandelier National Monument. Yes. Santa Fe and Taos offer a ride, a destination and a vastness you won’t easily forget.

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Traffic and Riding Conditions

While Backroads strives to find routes that are quiet and off the beaten track, that's not always possible in New Mexico and some options on this trip follow more heavily trafficked roads. Of course, you're always welcome to jump in the shuttle to avoid the busier stretches.

Day 1Explore Abiquiu and El Rito along the edge of the awe-inspiring Colorado Plateau Welcome to Georgia O'Keeffe country, where the subjects of some of the artist's most iconic paintings come to life Enjoy a picnic lunch of traditional local specialties Bike past white cliffs and sagebrush as you descend into the Chama and Ojo River Valleys.

Days 2-3A cultural weave of Spanish, Mexican, Anglo and indigenous traditions On your way to Taos, ride up the wide rift valley of the Rio Grande and across the Gorge Bridge, one of the highest in the United States Stroll through 1,000 years of history during a tour of the Taos Pueblo Bike the iconic Enchanted Circle, a scenic byway that curves around the base of 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak encompassing endless vistas, quaint ski towns and a stop at Eagle Nest Lake.

Day 4Pedal through the mesas and copper-colored hills
of the High Road desert to the tiny village of Chimayó, established in 1680 Spice-lovers won't want to miss a tasting of Chimayó's renowned heirloom chile peppers! On your way to Santa Fe, visit the revered El Santuario church, where the soil is believed to have miraculous healing powers.

Days 5-6Artsy Santa Fe, where galleries and gourmet cuisine await your exploration Pedal through historic Spanish and Indian ruins, oases of hot springs and waterfalls Our ride through the Jemez Mountains ends in Bandelier National Monument Top it off with a leisurely spin in the old neighborhoods past cafés, galleries and boutiques—feel free to stop in!

El Monte Sagrado (2 nights): With a warm inviting style inspired by American Indian and global cultures, this elegant haven is nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just outside of Taos. (spa)

Routes For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options

Day

EASYGOING

ACTIVE

AVID

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

1

21*

1600

36

2000

2

34*

1700

43

1800

53

2000

3

28

1200

42*

3100

91

5100

4

33*

1300

51*

3100

62

3400

5

16*

1500

29*

2600

54

4000

6

25

1300

note:

* Includes a shuttle

2015 Dates & Pricing*

CLASSIC TRIPS

5/24-29Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)

6/21-26Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)

9/6-11Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)

9/20-25Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)

9/27-10/2Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)

10/4-9Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $550 for sgl. occ.)

Plus 5.125% New Mexico state sales tax.

*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Private Trips Options & Pricing

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.

You can pick from a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability.

If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.

Pricing for Private Trips (prices may vary based on departure date)

2015

2 - 3 guests
from $4,598 pp dbl. occ.

8 - 9 guests
from $3,598 pp dbl. occ.

4 - 5 guests
from $3,998 pp dbl. occ.

10 - 11 guests
from $3,298 pp dbl. occ.

6 - 7 guests
from $3,798 pp dbl. occ.

12 or more guests
from $2,998 pp dbl. occ.

All Private Singles-Solos trips require a minimum of 16 guests.

Guest Trip Reviews

I have only been on two Backroads trips so far, but you distinguish yourself with the quality of your trip leaders. They far exceed your competition. The other benefit for us is that my husband is a stronger cyclist so the van support allows us to go on more challenging trips and both enjoy our vacation.

Gretchen Yager- Encinitas, CA

This was without a doubt the most beautiful region I've ever ridden in. It was also the most challenging, but worth every mile.

Jim DiCello- Columbus, OH

Excellent trip - the rides were challenging and the scenery was incredible. Our leaders were great guides/hosts and really made everyone feel welcome. The trip was challenging in the areas I wanted it to be (cycling) and easy/stress free when off the bike.